Abstract

Different pairs of scientific theories stand in different relations. The present paper identifies a new type of intertheoretic relation, Integrative Reduction, that is instantiated in the relation between linguistic syntax and semantics. We show its commonalities with Nagelian reduction and establish their salient differences. To assess the epistemic value of Integrative Reduction, we analyze it in the framework of Bayesian confirmation theory. More specifically, we show that the prior and posterior probabilities and the degree of confirmation of the conjunction of syntax and semantics is higher after the Integrative Reduction than after the Nagelian reduction of syntax to semantics.